Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Monday, June 13, 2011

Alcohol and Migraine: What Should We Tell Patients?



Alcoholic drinks are a migraine trigger in about one third of patients with migraine in retrospective studies on trigger factors. 
 
Many population studies show that patients with migraine consume alcohol in a smaller percentage than the general population. 
 
Moreover, research has shown a decreased prevalence of headache with increasing number of alcohol units consumed. 
 
The classification criteria of alcohol-related headaches remain problematic. 
 
We discuss the role and mechanism of action of alcohol or other components of alcoholic drinks in relation to alcohol-induced headache. 
 
In accordance with data from a recent prospective study, we believe that reports overestimate the role of alcohol, as well as other foods, in the triggering of migraine. 
 
If a relationship between the intake of alcohol and the migraine attack is not clear, a small dose of alcohol is not contraindicated either for enjoyment or its protective effect on cardiovascular disease. 
 
 
 
Read Full Abstract 
 
Request Reprint E-Mail:  a.panconesi@usl11.tos.it. 
at